In addition, the application deadline has been extended until Monday, January 26, 2009, and the review process of the applications received thus far is ongoing.

"Kukkiwon is currently reviewing the applications," said USAT CEO David Askinas. "We believe most of the applications will be approved but with some applications approved at Dan levels lower than those requested. We have been given preliminary information that the major reason some applications will not receive the rank requested is a lack of overall time in martial arts training. They are looking closely at the total number of years each applicant has in taekwondo and martial arts training. We expect to have more definitive information on or about January 20. If a lower Dan rank is approved, funds overpaid will, of course, be refunded to the applicant. "